Memorial Day Remember

To many, Memorial Day marks the official start to summer. Schools are out and preparations for vacations begin. This is a weekend when families and friends gather around yards, pools or the lake; we grill, we eat and we enjoy multitudes of ice cold beverages.

Yet sadly, many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. This weekend we remember and honor the courageous men and women of our armed forces who lost their lives to protect America’s interests, to defend our freedom, to preserve our values and to advance the ideals of democracy.

Although there are many stories as to its actual beginnings, what is important is that Memorial Day is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all in the service of their country.

Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for federal holidays).

Memorial Day weekend actually begins on the Thursday before Memorial Day, where by tradition the more than 1,200 soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Division place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing until a Moment of remembrance and respect on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m., pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

Memorial Day without a doubt is one steeped in tradition. Very few have had the privilege of seeing how our nation honors its fallen heroes, and a military funeral with full honors, although solemn is a representation of our country at its finest moment.

 MILITARY FUNERAL FLAG PRESENTATION PROTOCOL

The flag of the United States draped over the casket so that the blue field with stars is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. After Taps has been played, the flag is meticulously folded 13 times representing the 13 original colonies, into the symbolic tri-cornered shape by a total of six honor guards, three on each side of the casket. The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. Few understand the meaning of colors to the military.  The red stripe represents the blood of the fallen, given for his country with honor; the white stripe representing extreme bravery and courage; and the blue field – vigilance and valor.

The folded flag is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member, by kneeling in front of the recipient, holding the folded flag waist high with the straight edge facing the recipient, while leaning toward the recipient.

Then come the words . . . “On behalf of the President of the United States, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service. God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America."

It is a solemn moment but one filled with indescribably honor. Memorial Day for those who have survived defending our freedom, it is a day of quiet remembrance. It is a day they remember their fallen comrades. Few have asked of anything from those they fought to protect, even at times preferring anonymity to the pomp and circumstance we often get caught in. There is however one thing that does mean the world to those who have survived: it’s when a stranger approaches, holds out a hand to shake and quietly says, “thank you for your service."

If at all possible observe Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor those who lost their lives to defend our freedom. If not possible then take a quiet moment at 3 p.m. this afternoon to reflect and remember. May God bless our veterans and their families.